Okoko Item Celebrates 2026 New Yam Festival with Unity

On August 24, 2026, the LA School field in Okoko Item, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, hosted the 2026 New Yam Festival, a significant cultural event for the community. The festival featured over 10 age grades, who showcased cultural performances and participated in the traditional yam cutting ceremony, symbolizing blessings for the harvest.

Chief Ogechi Kamkam, President General of the Okoko Item Development Association, emphasized unity and peace during his welcome speech. Dr. Kelechi Anosike, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Abia State, was honored as ‘Ezinwa Okoko Item’ and contributed N2.5 million during the yam cutting, along with N500,000 for community vigilante setup.

Anosike expressed pride in his roots and commitment to promoting agriculture and cultural heritage if elected governor. The festival served as a homecoming for the diaspora, reinforcing community bonds and development efforts.